MTC: Henry Purcell
Meet the Composers: Henry Purcell – England’s Baroque Genius
When we think of great composers, names like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven often come to mind. But before them, there was Henry Purcell—one of England’s most remarkable musical voices. Despite his short life, Purcell left behind an incredible legacy, blending French and Italian influences with a distinctively English sound. His music is full of drama, emotion, and a deep connection to real life, making it just as captivating today as it was in the 17th century.
A Life Cut Short but Full of Music
Born in 1659 in London, Henry Purcell grew up surrounded by music. His father was a musician at the royal court, and young Henry’s talent became clear early on. After his father passed away, his uncle made sure he got the best musical education possible. By his teenage years, Purcell was already working as a composer and organist, eventually landing one of the most prestigious musical positions in England: Organist of Westminster Abbey.
Purcell’s career took off under the reigns of Charles II, James II, and William III. He wrote music for royal events, church services, and the theater. But his life was cut tragically short—he died in 1695 at just 36 years old. Some say he caught a cold after being locked out of his house one night, while others think it was tuberculosis. Whatever the cause, his death was a huge loss to the music world.
A Unique Sound
Purcell’s music stands out because of its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and ability to tell a story. He had a gift for making words and music work together seamlessly, especially in his vocal pieces. Unlike many of his European contemporaries, Purcell didn’t just copy French or Italian styles—he blended them into something uniquely English.
One of his trademarks is his use of ground bass (or ostinato)—a repeating bass line that supports evolving harmonies and melodies. This technique adds depth and emotion, drawing listeners in with repitition. A great example of this is Dido’s Lament from Dido and Aeneas, where the descending bass line perfectly captures the queen’s heartbreak.
Purcell’s Greatest Works: Where to Start?
If you’re new to Purcell, here are some pieces that showcase his genius:
Dido and Aeneas (1689) – One of the earliest English operas, packed with emotion, especially in the heartbreaking Dido’s Lament.
Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary (1695) – A deeply moving piece that was even adapted for Stanley Kubrick’s film A Clockwork Orange.
Abdelazer Suite (1695) – If the tune of the Rondeau sounds familiar, it’s because Benjamin Britten later used it for The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
Come, Ye Sons of Art (1694) – A lively birthday ode for Queen Mary II, showing off Purcell’s gift for choral writing.
Fantasia Upon One Note (1680) – A fascinating instrumental piece where a single note is held throughout while harmonies shift around it.
Why Purcell Still Matters Today
Even though Purcell lived over 300 years ago, his music still speaks to us. His ability to mix different styles while keeping a distinct English sound paved the way for later British composers like Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Benjamin Britten. His works are still performed in concert halls, operas, and even film soundtracks, proving that great music stands the test of time.
If you haven’t explored Purcell’s music yet, now’s a great time to start. Listen to his operas, choral pieces, and instrumental works, and you’ll find a world of beauty, drama, and emotion waiting for you. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite composer.